Don’t really post on here much these days… not sure why. Here is a picture of some blue Scilla from a month or two ago.

Bigger queens, better queens … and easier queens Colonies are highly selective when choosing larvae to rear queen. Standard (grafting-based) queen rearing methods are not. In this post I briefly discuss the science of larval selection, and then…

[New post for sponsors] We know a lot about how colonies select eggs/larvae to rear queens from under the emergency response … they're very good at it. ALL this knowledge is ignored when grafting larvae. Here are a couple of easier ways to do it.
theapiarist.org/bigger-queen...
#beekeeping

Equipment for beginners — part 2 The financial outlay you need to make when starting beekeeping is less than the commitment the catalogues imply you should make. Buy wisely with compatibility and longevity in mind, but also invest…

[New post] Not so much what to buy, as how to choose what to buy, so that it's useful and usable for years … together with a couple of luxuries to make your early foray into beekeeping easier and more enjoyable.
theapiarist.org/equipment-fo...
#beekeeping

Equipment for beginners — part 1 Don't believe everything you read in the catalogues. It's expensive to start beekeeping, so buy little, and buy wisely. The equipment should last — and be usable — for decades, so aim to make your…

[New post] Beekeeping can be expensive when starting. Avoid being “all the gear, no idea”. Buy the basics, and buy things that will remain usable and useful for decades. Part 1 of 2, with homework for readers 😄 .
theapiarist.org/equipment-fo...
#beekeeping

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow LE3 1/10 starting

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow 2/10 LE3

Be prepared I'm prepared for a bumper honey crop in 2026. It might not happen, but my supers are ready 'just in case'. Thoughts on tidying and storing your precious drawn comb, inexpensive protection from wax…

[New post] Make use of these short winter days by doing the preparation for the humongous nectar flows this season … or at least tidy your supers and inexpensively protect them from wax moth damage. And some musings on predicting when swarming will start.
theapiarist.org/be-prepared/
# beekeeping

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow LE3 2/10 it’s starting like it means it.

@uksnowmap.com #Uksnow LE3 1/10
Very small ice crystals starting.

Better pollen sub patties Recent research suggests that there may be better protein components than brewer's yeast and soybean flour for use in pollen sub patties.

Better pollen sub patties - Recent research suggests that there may be better protein components than brewer's yeast and soybean flour for use in pollen sub patties. theapiarist.org/p/9d8c33da-c...

@uksnowmap.com #uksnow 2/10 LE3

Donate to Duvet Know It's Christmas, 2025, organized by Rhodri Marsden Unbelievably, it's the 15th year of this thing. What is it? Improbably, the nig… Rhodri Marsden needs your support for Duvet Know It's Christmas, 2025

Unbelievably, #DuvetKnowItsChristmas generates such good will on social media that over the years we've raised somewhere approaching a quarter of a million quid for homeless charities. If you can spare a bob or two, sling some to Centrepoint, and here's the link: www.gofundme.com/f/duvet-know...

Premier inn has become so basic, roughly 6 items on the menu and most drinks listed unavailable. ☹️

Jarring honey. Sticky kitchen now. #Honey

Popped to Aldi this morning, did a cursory sweep of the middle isle, managed to resist buying a canoe, charcoal, a lettuce spinner and a giant fleece lined slipper. #Win

Bittersweet memories Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells from the last of your beekeeping this season. There's still much to do, but it's going to be a long time until you can work with the bees again, so make time to…

[New post] Don't rush. Take your time. The memories from these last few weeks of the beekeeping season will have to last you until early next spring.
theapiarist.org/bittersweet-...
Follow me on @social.theapiarist.org.ap.brid.gy to get new post announcements automagically
#beekeeping

I’ve decided it smells of Autumn here at home. We’ve had some rain, not nearly enough but some. Many plants are sighing in relief. The home hives are suddenly busy, the bees have found some nectar after all these dry months.

It’s powertool-mageddon in my neighbourhood this bank holiday Saturday. Somebody over the back is smashing g up concrete with a jack hammer… 🙁

Receive a £10 voucher to spend online When you become an RHS Member today

mention-me.com/m/ol/iw1bs-j...

Happy War of the Worlds Day. If you celebrate. 🤫🛸

It’s always nice when #beekeepers follow.

Decided to post some nice pictures to attract nice people.

A pack of mini shaped post-it-notes. That is all.

And I’m back. Still keeping bees, and scrumping tiny plums.

@bbka.org.uk gorgeous weather, learning loads. Shopping tomorrow when the trade show opens. 🐝🌸🤭

Off to the BBKA convention today, a first for a Friday for me.

@beeathorpe.bsky.social I think your x account has been hacked.

The spring flowers have started at work.

a cartoon of a person wrapped in a blanket with a smile on their face . ALT: a cartoon of a person wrapped in a blanket with a smile on their face .

Friday night, under a fluffy blanket, fire on, vino in hand. 🍷🔥

The rain is hammering against the windows here. ☔️☹️